2010 Welcome to MY life.

Many people write resolutions and goals in the beginning of the year. Normally, I would do the same, but the goal I’ve had for the past twenty four years of my life was to stop biting my nails. Magically in October, I just stopped. One day, I just stopped biting them. Now they are pretty and usually painted black and so I had to come up with something different, and of course, writing stop biting my nails wouldn’t be much fun, now would it? What do I want to accomplish in 2010?

There’s the given ones, like I want to save money, but that’s almost impossible at this juncture in my life, so I guess I hope I have enough money to run my heater next winter, unlike this winter, that would be stellar. Then I also want to try to eat healthier, which I hope to do by cooking at least one meal a week and bringing my lunch more to work. I started bringing my lunch more to work in December, so that is already a good situation and I have found lots of snacks to pack so I don’t get hungry and want to die at my desk. The eating healthier also plays into my wanting to learn how to cook, since I don’t know how to cook, AT ALL, so that is a pretty good goal on many levels since it seems to cover so many bases.

Then there’s the whole grad school goal, which I would be simply beyond the moon to go to grad school and work on getting my MFA in creative writing, but beyond that, whether I get accepted and can find someway to spiral myself into more debt, I would really like to focus on writing this year. I love writing and I know I can write some more cool pieces that I’m truly proud of.

Fitness goals basically can be broken down pretty easily. I want to run some smaller fun races, perhaps some marathons, pending funds, location and travel, and also I want to work on working out different muscles besides just constantly running all the time. I could tell how tired it was making me by the end of the year and that is why I got so sick for an extended period of time. I have rearranged my work schedule so that I go in earlier and leave earlier not only because I’m going to start tutoring some kids in English (hilarious, right?) but I also think it will be helpful when I’m trying to squeeze in workouts. I have found my gills and really do like swimming so I hope to be able to swim a mile by the end of the year. I want to work on my core a little bit more and develop a stronger back. Whether this be through yoga, running, swimming, weights, or biking, I know that implementing different types of workouts will be nothing but beneficial to me.

But my number one goal for 2010 would be the fact that I want to live vivaciously. It means lively in temper, conduct and spirit. I love that word and I want my life to reflect that. Sometimes I know I can be a baby about things, and I get scared easily. I have found that sometimes taking a little bit of a leap of faith can really be all that you need to do and you can be totally surprised by the outcome. I am going to try to be fearless, for my standards, and try new things. I started swimming this past month and I love it and am so excited about it, and without making myself ‘man-up’ for a second, I would have never gotten in the pool. I am NOT spontaneous at all either. I live by my planner and sometimes it really pushes me out of my comfort zone to be spontaneous, so I’m going to try to fly a little more by the seat of my pants, and let things happen, it seems to work out just fine that way as well, sometimes I just need to let things go.

Of course I want to be honest, caring, loyal, kind and friendly, but another thing I want to do is love with all my heart. I want to love the people who are in my life fiercely, because they completely deserve it. I am continually reminded how blessed I am and how many people do love me, and I want them to know how much I love them back. I am a very open and honest person and I want to capitalize on that and not be scared of what others think of me. It’s my life and I’ve only got one shot at it, so I’m going to live it to the best of my ability. I believe that you should live what you love, and that is going to be a big part of my life this year.

2009 was a fun year, and I really enjoyed it. A lot of things happened to me, I moved out on my own with DJ to a new city, I didn’t get fired from my job, I didn’t end up in jail, I ran four marathons and a handful of other small races, I made all my car payments on time, I made both good and bad decisions but I really found out a lot more about myself and who I am. I became completely financially independent, found out how important friendship is, made new, amazing friends, had a wonderful birthday present dropped into my lap and I also found out how many people love me so much. I am a lucky, lucky girl.

So 2010, I welcome to my life, and I expect nothing but the best from you. I’m sure we’ll get along great, you seem to be treating me just fine already and let me tell you, I live a crazy life, but it’s my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way, so hang on! 2010 promises to be one of new adventures, laughter, love and memories and I can’t wait to tackle them all, and perhaps even share some of the highlights with everyone who reads this blog.

Hi Danica – I’ve been reading your blog since just before you ran Malibu, and I want to thank you for your openess and your “never give up” attitude. You are an inspiration. I just ran my first 5k in December – but I’ve got a lofty goal of running LA in 2011. =)

Danica…that was almost my name! then my parents changed at the last minute! i stubbled upon your blog yesterday and very glad i did. I just started running and hope to make it part of my life. i come from a back ground of competing in fitness and figure so this is new to me, and be able to eat a few more calories is exciting ha! i look forward to reading about your runs, I find it inspiring and who knows maybe I’ll even get up the guts to run a 5k! LOL! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with the world!

I love your blog and I completely relate to your resolutions. Mine was to live fearless. Much along the same lines as your resolutions. I look forward to reading your blog this year to see how you’re living vivaciously and breaking away from the planner (I can sooooo relate)!

I like to read your blog and I like your thinking and attitude towards life. I wish I can do that like you. I am a 62 year-old Chinese come from Hong Kong 30 years ago. I took up running 3 years ago after I retired from my job. I ran 3 marathons and I like running because it builds up my leg muscles. I will run some half and 1 full marathon in 2010. Have a nice new year to all people, especially runners.

This is an amazing post! It’s very inspiring, and I’m so excited for you to grow in all the ways you want to. The nail biting story is hilarious, too. Congrats on that! I’ve been wanting to write down some New Year’s goals for the last couple days, but I just haven’t felt inspired. Now I feel ready more than ever…thanks!

No need to change your diet. Have you seen the Taco Bell Drive-Through Diet Commercials. For some reason I think of you when I see them. Not because you need to lose weight but because you love fast food.

This is such a grea post o so many different levels. It takes a lot of courage to open up and be honest with a bunch of people. Thank you for being courageous and sharing!

About that living vivaciously – I’ve been around a little more than twice as long as you. If there’s one piece of advice that I give to my kids it’s no risk no reward. Yeah – you may fall on your butt every now and then (heaven knows I have physically, professionally, and personally), but I just refuse to belong to the would’ve, could’ve, should’ve club. Grab life by the horns. After all, what’s the worst thing that could happen? San Diego should have given you a hint….